How To Keep Fondue Warm: Crock Pot Method

Fondue is a delightful Swiss dish that is fun to eat and easy to make. The traditional way of preparing fondue is melting cheese in a communal pot over a flame. However, modern adaptations include using a crockpot or slow cooker, which offers convenience and ease. You can make both cheese and chocolate fondue in a crockpot, and it is an excellent way to enjoy a classic Swiss cheese fondue, especially during celebrations like New Year's Eve.

Using a crock pot for fondue: convenience and ease

Using a crock pot for fondue is a convenient and easy way to enjoy this classic Swiss dish. Fondue is a fun and relaxing meal that can be a delightful treat for both adults and children. The use of a crock pot or slow cooker is a modern adaptation of the traditional method of melting cheese in a communal pot over a flame. This method offers convenience and ease without compromising the core essence of the dish.

Preparing fondue in a crock pot is simple and straightforward. First, gather your desired ingredients, such as cheese, chocolate, or other dips, and place them in the crock pot. Set the crock pot to a suitable temperature setting, typically "warm" or "low," and let the ingredients melt and combine. Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure even melting and a smooth consistency.

One of the benefits of using a crock pot for fondue is the ability to maintain the desired temperature. Once the fondue is ready, you can keep it warm in the crock pot, ensuring that your dipping experience is uninterrupted. This is especially useful when hosting gatherings or parties, as it allows you to focus on enjoying time with your guests rather than constantly tending to the fondue.

Additionally, crock pots offer versatility in terms of serving options. You can serve the fondue directly from the crock pot, keeping it warm and easily accessible for your guests. Alternatively, you can transfer the fondue to a separate fondue pot with a candle or canned heat for a more traditional presentation. This flexibility makes it convenient to adapt to different occasions and serving styles.

Using a crock pot for fondue is also advantageous due to its ability to moderate portion sizes. Whether you're serving a large group or simply enjoying a cozy night in, crock pots allow you to adjust the amount of fondue you prepare accordingly. This feature makes it suitable for various appetites and dietary preferences.

In conclusion, using a crock pot for fondue is a convenient and easy way to enjoy this classic dish. It simplifies the preparation process, maintains the desired temperature, offers serving flexibility, and allows for easy portion control. So, whether you're hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, a crock pot can enhance your fondue experience and make it even more enjoyable.

Fondue recipes: chocolate, cheese, or meat

Fondue is a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal with friends and family. You can keep fondue warm in a crockpot, also known as a slow cooker, and there are plenty of sweet and savoury recipes to choose from.

Chocolate Fondue

Chocolate fondue is a popular choice for dessert and can be made in a crockpot. Here's a simple recipe:

• Combine 10 ounces of chopped semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, 1/3 cup of milk, and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in your crockpot. You can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour.
• Turn the crockpot to low heat and stir the mixture occasionally until the chocolate is completely melted.
• Once melted, add any desired extras such as cinnamon or orange extract.
• Serve with a variety of dippers like strawberries, bananas, marshmallows, pretzels, cookies, or even cinnamon bears!

Cheese Fondue

Cheese fondue is a classic savoury option and can be easily made in a crockpot. Here's a recipe to try:

• Combine 9 ounces each of grated Gruyere and Swiss cheese with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a bowl.
• Add one clove of smashed garlic, 3/4 cup of white wine, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the crockpot.
• Turn the crockpot to high heat and cook for 15 minutes.
• Remove the garlic and stir the mixture.
• Continue cooking on high for another 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and smooth.
• Serve with bread cubes, apple slices, cauliflower florets, or other vegetables of your choice.

Meat Fondue

For meat fondue, also known as fondue bourguignonne, you'll need a special fondue pot with a heat source to keep the oil hot. Here are the basic steps:

• Prepare a variety of meats such as beef, chicken, or pork by cutting them into bite-sized cubes.
• Heat a pot of oil in your fondue pot to 375°F (190°C). You can use canola, peanut, or vegetable oil.
• Skewer the meat cubes and cook them in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes, or until cooked to your desired doneness.
• Serve with a variety of sauces like cocktail sauce, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard for dipping.
• Enjoy with sides such as roasted vegetables or potatoes.

Best dippers for chocolate fondue

Chocolate fondue is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of dippers, ranging from fruits to baked goods and salty snacks. Here are some of the best options:

Fruits

Fresh or dried fruits are classic companions to chocolate fondue. Strawberries, bananas, pineapples, mangoes, apples, and pears are popular choices. Tropical fruits like kiwi, dragon fruit, papaya, fresh coconut chunks, and mangos also add a unique twist. If you're feeling adventurous, try dipping dried apricots, figs, dates, or even chunks of dried coconut.

Baked Goods

Chocolate fondue is also delightful with various baked goods. Pound cake, angel food cake, sponge cake, carrot cake, red velvet cake, chocolate cake, and cheesecake cubes are all excellent options. For a fun twist, try dipping pretzel rods, Oreo cookies, biscotti, brownies, donuts, granola bars, or waffles.

Sweet Treats

For an extra indulgent experience, dip marshmallows, rice Krispie treats, caramels, peanut brittle, or even Twinkies into the chocolate fondue.

Salty Snacks

Contrasting the sweetness of the chocolate fondue with salty snacks like pretzels, potato chips, or bacon creates an intriguing flavour combination.

Nuts and Popcorn

Nuts such as almonds, cashews, and hazelnuts can be skewered and dipped, adding a crunchy texture to the fondue experience. Sweet and salted popcorn is another tasty option that combines sweet and salty flavours.

How to make chocolate fondue in a crock pot

Yes, you can keep fondue warm in a crock pot or slow cooker. If you don't have a fondue pot, you can transfer the chocolate fondue to a small slow cooker and keep it on the "warm" setting.

Ingredients:

• Heavy whipping cream
• Chocolate chips (semisweet or bittersweet)
• Cinnamon (optional)
• Dippers of your choice (see below for ideas)

Method:

• Lightly grease your crock pot or slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
• Pour the heavy whipping cream into the crock pot.
• Add the chocolate chips.
• If desired, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon into the pot.
• Turn the heat to medium-low and whisk until the chocolate chips begin to melt.
• Continue whisking until the cream and chocolate are fully incorporated and the chocolate is smooth and shiny.
• Serve immediately with your desired dippers, or turn the crock pot to the "warm" setting if serving later.

Dippers:

You can dip a variety of foods into chocolate fondue, but here are some ideas:

• Fresh fruit: Strawberries, bananas, pineapple, apples, pears, cherries, etc. Make sure to dry the fruit thoroughly after washing, as water can cause the chocolate to seize.
• Cookies and other sweets: Oreos, peanut butter cookies, pound cake, brownies, marshmallows, doughnuts, graham crackers, etc.
• Savory options: Pretzels, potato chips, crispy bacon, Ritz crackers, etc.

How to make cheese fondue in a crock pot

Ingredients

• 9 oz Swiss cheese, grated
• 9 oz Gruyère cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 3/4 cup white wine
• 1 cup bread cubes
• 12 oz cured meat
• 1 clove garlic
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon juice, to taste

Optional Ingredients

• Bacon bits
• Apples
• Pickled baby corn
• Pineapple
• Crispy bacon
• Salami
• Cornichons (pickled mini gherkins)
• Bread: crusty bread, sourdough, pumpernickel, baguette, ciabatta, white, wholemeal, or a mix
• Vegetables: steamed broccoli, steamed cauliflower, steamed asparagus, button mushrooms, carrots, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or apples
• Potatoes: boiled baby new potatoes, roasted fingerling potatoes, or purple potatoes

Method

• In a medium bowl, toss the Swiss and Gruyère cheeses with the cornstarch.
• Smash the garlic clove, but leave it whole.
• Add the cheese, wine, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper to your crock pot.
• Turn your crock pot on high, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
• Remove the garlic and stir. Cover again and cook for 45 minutes more on high, stirring every 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and smooth. Be careful not to overcook, or the fondue will seize.
• Turn the crock pot to warm and serve the fondue with your chosen dippers.

Tips

• For a classic Swiss cheese fondue, use half Gruyère and half Vacherin Fribourgeois.
• If you want a less overpowering fondue, add Camembert to your cheese mix.
• Make sure to grate your cheese—don't chop it—for quicker melting and a smooth fondue.
• Use a good-quality, dry white wine for your fondue, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or an unoaked Chardonnay.
• If you want to make your fondue in advance, you can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat it before serving.

Frequently asked questions